In cooperation with the pilot, the flight dispatcher furnishes
a flight plan that enables the aircraft to arrive at its destination on
schedule with the maximum payload (that is, passengers, mail, cargo) and
the least operating cost. The flight dispatcher considers enroute and destination
weather, winds aloft, alternate destinations, fuel required, altitudes,
and traffic flow. He or she maintains a constant watch on all flights dispatched
and is the liaison between the pilot and ground service personnel.

The
flight dispatcher must be familiar with all airline routes and airport
facilities as well as with the takeoff, cruising, and landing characteristics
of all types of aircraft operated by the airline. Flight dispatchers also
take flights in the cockpit with the flight crew to observe flight routes,
conditions, and airports. Flight dispatchers work indoors at the airport in the airline operations
office. They use computers, calculators, weather charts and information,
and loading re-ports. A 40-hour week with shift work is normal.

Flight dispatchers frequently work under pressure, especially when flying
weather is bad. They must make many rapid decisions concerning safety,
flight regulations, and the economy of operations. These employees are
surrounded by people, teletype machines, telephones, and intercom systems
in a noisy, busy atmosphere. Those who work for a small airline, carry
on the duties of a meteorologist and schedule coordinator.
Salaries start around $35,000 per year and increase, over a ten-year
employment period, to about $59,000.

Flight dispatchers can move into this position from jobs as dispatch
clerks, junior flight dispatchers, radio operators, meteorologists, or
station managers. Large airlines employ senior dispatchers who specialize
in coordinating the finances of every flight. Promotion is from within.
Experience as an airline dispatcher may be used in qualifying for a job
as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration or
as an airport director.
Though a college degree with a major in air transportation or meteorology
is useful preparation for work as a flight dispatcher, experience is equally
important. Job applicants must have good vision, hearing, enunciation,
and an FAA dispatcher's license. They must know thoroughly the Federal
Aviation Regulations on airline operations and be competent in airline
communications and meteorology.